YOUTH CENTER STILL STRUGGLING

Teenagers spend afterschool time playing a Foos-ball game at the youth center. ().

The Brookings-Harbor Youth Center was scheduled to close in December unless it could get a board of directors.

Two months later the doors are still open, but the need for a board of directors and volunteers is still great, Heather Weckler, the centers director, said Monday.

Weckler said several people came forward to help after reading an article in The Pilot in December. Unfortunately, few people had the time to be on the board of directors.

Weve had about seven people step forward. Most dont have time to commit to being full-time board members, Weckler said.

Board members assist with fundraising, organizing association programs and general association operations among other duties, she said.

Weckler needs four people to be on the board. Elections for board members will be held March 15.

The center also needs adult volunteers in the afternoon to do projects with youths, or supervise the center.

She said projects focus on community involvement. For example, the youth wrapped gifts at Christmas, made valentines for residents of the Chetco Inn and the Veterans hospital, and did a clean-up near the Chetco Bridge.

Dr. Sandi Strandberg and Pamela Rogers are currently volunteering their time to do projects with the youth, but Weckler said she needs other volunteers for the afternoon hours at the center.

Its important for interested people to come down to the center and talk with me, Weckler said.

The center, located at 630 Chetco Ave., is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.

The people who have already stepped forward to share ideas and help with organizing the center are meeting regularly, Weckler said.

In addition to volunteers and board members, the center also needs financial support.

We are literally going month to month, Weckler said.

Brookings-Harbor High School sophomore Adam Hall said the center is good for the youth.

Its good for the kids and they are always happy and busy here, Hall said.

Weckler said about the teens, They help out, they keep busy and (the center is) important to them.

She added, A lot of people tell me how great the center is and I appreciate that, but I need people to actually be a part of it. I want to challenge the community to help us meet our needs.